OREANDA-NEWS. May 27, 2011. At the session on May 20 the State Duma of the Russian Federation examined and passed the bill on the ratification of agreement between the governments of the Russian Federation and the USA on recycling of plutonium, declared as plutonium, which is not necessary any more for the defense purposes, its handling and cooperation in this area, as well as the bills on ratification of two Protocols to this agreement. According to the agreement as of 2000, each of the parties should utilize 34 tons of weapon plutonium, having processed it into the MOX-FUEL at the light-water nuclear reactors.

 Afterwards, the parties agreed, that instead of the light-water nuclear reactors in Russia there would be used fast neutron reactor BN-800 which is planned for commencing in 2013–2014. Provided that, the parties will begin the programs of plutonium recycling not later than 2018. The expenses connected with recycling on BN -800 reactors and its operation, as well as with creation of the system of monitoring and inspections, are supposed to be covered completely at the expense of the USA (up to 400 mln. dollars). These arrangements are provided by the Protocol signed on April 13, 2010 in Washington.